A North Carolina family is mourning the loss of 17-year-old Gary Landyn Jacobs, who died Thursday morning following a vehicle accident in Lake Waccamaw. Jacobs was on his way to work at 4 a.m. when his vehicle collided with a tree. Emergency responders provided medical assistance at the scene, but he succumbed to his injuries.

Jacobs was set to work at his family’s logging business, a passion he embraced alongside his brother and father. “Without a doubt, anyone who knew Landyn understood he was destined to be leading a crew in the logging woods,” said his uncle, Josh Simmons.

Beyond his dedication to work, Jacobs was preparing to return to school for his senior year and finish his final baseball season. He was a standout second baseman, recently earning the MVP title at an eastern tournament. Simmons described him as “vibrant, a go-getter, and a jokester on the baseball field who brought joy to everyone.”

Off the field, Jacobs enjoyed spending time with friends, riding four-wheelers through ponds outfitted with snorkels—a favorite pastime that showcased his adventurous spirit.

Family and friends are leaning on each other for support during this heartbreaking time. “We are all about family, and if one of us is in pain, then we all feel it,” Simmons shared, highlighting the close-knit community rallying around Jacobs’ parents and relatives.

A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Saturday night in memory of Gary Landyn Jacobs, honoring the life of a young man whose bright spirit touched everyone who knew him.